The Role of Legal Translation in Regional Integration: A Ghana-ECOWAS Perspective

Authors

  • Sampson Awafo Department of Language and General Studies, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana
  • Theophile Kwame Atonon Department of French Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
  • Aloysius Kuuning Department of Languages Education, Akenten-Appiah Minka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Kumasi, Ghana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32996/ijtis.2026.6.1.3

Keywords:

CEDEAO, Intégration régionale, Lois d’Intégration, Traduction juridique

Abstract

This article explores the central role of legal translation in advancing regional cohesion within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with particular emphasis on Ghana’s legal and linguistic contributions. As a multilingual and multi-jurisdictional entity, ECOWAS relies on harmonized legal instruments that must operate across diverse traditions and languages, principally English, French, and Portuguese. As an Anglophone member, Ghana has adopted several legal frameworks consistent with ECOWAS objectives; however, these texts are seldom available in the organization’s other working languages, thereby constraining their reach and effectiveness. Based on empirical data collected at border posts, immigration services, courts, and from translation experts through interviews, observations, and questionnaires, the study assesses the impact of translation—or the lack thereof—on legal harmonization, policy implementation, and regional cohesion. The article contends that legal translation transcends the confines of linguistic transfer, functioning instead as a strategic mechanism that guarantees institutional interoperability, inclusivity, and adherence to regional commitments. It concludes with recommendations for targeted translation policies and institutional reforms designed to reinforce ECOWAS integration through accessible multilingual legal frameworks.

Author Biographies

  • Sampson Awafo, Department of Language and General Studies, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana
    AWAFO Sampson, est doctorant en traduction et interprétation françaises à l’Université de l’Éducation, Winneba. Titulaire d’un MPhil en traduction et interprétation française à (KNUST). Ses recherches portent sur la traduction et l’interprétation juridiques et religieuses, la didactique de la traduction et de l’interprétation, ainsi que la traduction automatique.
  • Theophile Kwame Atonon , Department of French Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
    Dr. ATONON Théophile Kwame, est titulaire d’un doctorat en traduction. Il est actuellement chercheur, coordinateur des études supérieures et chargé de cours au Département de l’éducation française de l’Université d’éducation de Winneba, au Ghana. En tant que chercheur, le Dr Atonon Théophile Kwame participe à des conférences internationales et s’intéresse au développement de thèses de recherche en traduction technique, en sciences du langage, en enseignement/apprentissage des langues, etc., et collabore avec d’autres institutions de recherche. Il a publié 6 articles dans diverses revues internationales.
  • Aloysius Kuuning , Department of Languages Education, Akenten-Appiah Minka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Kumasi, Ghana

    Dr. KUUNING Aloysius est actuellement enseignant de français à Department of Languages Education de l'Akenten Appiah Minka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Kumasi, Ghana. Il est titulaire d’un doctorat, de MPhil en français et d'une licence en français de Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana .Il participe aux conférences et séminaires nationales et internationales et est accordé de six (6) articles et un (1) livre publiés dans de diverses revues. Ses domaines de recherche comprennent la traduction, la pédagogie de traduction et l'interprétation. Il s'intéresse à la phonétique et la phonologie française appliquée et la morphologie et la syntaxe

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Published

2026-01-24

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 1

Section

Research Article

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Sampson Awafo, Theophile Kwame Atonon , Aloysius Kuuning

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Awafo, S., Atonon , T. K., & Kuuning , A. (2026). The Role of Legal Translation in Regional Integration: A Ghana-ECOWAS Perspective. International Journal of Translation and Interpretation Studies, 6(1), 33-44. https://doi.org/10.32996/ijtis.2026.6.1.3